The concept of “healthy diet food” can seem like an elusive thing; a special knowledge possessed by an elite but somehow unknown by the masses. In reality this isn’t true, it simply takes a little bit of time and dedication to understand what constitutes healthy diet food and what is actually junk food. Let’s start with the basics.
This Is Not Healthy Diet Food
There’s a reason why your mother called it “junk” food. Fast foods, and processed foods all fall under this category and here’s why.
Junk foods are foods whose basic characteristics have been manipulated and modified so much that they no longer resemble the real food they once were (think snack cakes, gas-station donuts, French fries, and so on). These foods, including other junk foods that are less processed, are stuffed full of chemical additives and preservatives, which can gum up your system. In addition, they contain extremely high amounts of sodium and sugar, and can possess dangerous trans fats. All of these ingredients can contribute to a variety of diseases, the least of which are obesity and diabetes.
This brings us to the question of low-fat foods; are they healthy diet food or junk food? You have to be careful with low-fat foods because sometimes, in place of the missing fat, companies will add other things (like sodium and sugar) in order to make their snacks and food taste good. Cutting out fat only to increase your sodium and sugar intake will do nothing to create a healthier life for you.
Low-fat foods aren’t always considered a healthy diet food for another reason altogether: it’s easy to eat too much of them. Most people like to approach low-fat foods as an opportunity to eat twice the amount they normally would have. In this case, it you would be better off eating only a single serving of a full-fat item rather than two or more servings of its low-fat version.
In all things you must remember this: moderation is key.
This Is Definitely A Healthy Diet Food
If you’re looking for healthy diet food then keep to the perimeter of your grocery store. Start out in the produce department by picking out lots of fresh fruits and veggies. In addition to providing lots of fiber (to keep your colon happy), the nutrients found in fresh fruits and veggies are some of the easiest for your body to absorb – easier than vitamins even (though that’s not an excuse to ditch the vitamins – they’re still important). Also, because of their water and fiber content, fruits and veggies are more filling.
Fruits and veggies contain one other important element: anti-oxidents. Anti-oxidents have been proven as a vital element in fighting off disease and illness. Taking an anti-oxidant supplement, in addition to eating fresh produce, will give you a leg up over sickness.
In the meat department, healthy diet food comes in the form of lean proteins. Choose beef that’s around eighty to ninety percent fat free. Poultry and fish are other good options for you. Be careful to read the ingredients carefully because some companies will include spices or other flavorings to the meat, which usually ends up meaning more sodium intake for you.
When it comes to bread products and cereals, your best choice for healthy diet food comes in the form of whole-grains. Choose breads that don’t contain high-fructose corn syrup and that are loaded with whole grains. The same goes for cereal: drop the sugar-laden flakes for plain oatmeal, oat bran, or other whole-grain cereals.
The last thing to consider about healthy diet food is how you season it. Take some time exploring your herbs and spices. Different meats and vegetables can come alive with the right seasonings. Be sure to go easy on the salt though, it can add up quickly.
Though it may take some getting used to at first, choosing healthy diet food will ultimately make your body feel much better and add to your quality of life.
Get some more ideas on healthydiet foods and meal ideas.
